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AMSTERDAM - THE Dutch government has stepped up pressure on a right-wing politician to drop plans to broadcast an anti-Islamic film, warning that it could provoke attacks against the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende yesterday urged Mr Geert Wilders to consider the consequences of pressing ahead with the film that could hurt Dutch troops, businesses and citizens as well as its international reputation.
'When you see how the reactions have been at home and abroad, what the risks could be of this film, then there's one person who must answer for it, and that is Mr Wilders himself,' Mr Balkenende said in a televised news conference.
His remarks came on the same day that Development Minister Bert Koenders cancelled a visit to Somalia after he was warned that his life would be in danger there.
Although the film has not yet been screened, Mr Balkenende said Mr Wilders cannot ignore the fact that it was already provoking heated reactions around the world.
The Grand Mufti of Syria has warned of 'bloodshed' if the film is released.
Last week, Pakistan's government ordered Internet service providers to restrict access to YouTube, allegedly to prevent Pakistanis from accessing a clip of Mr Wilders, in which he makes derogatory remarks about Islam.
And the Taleban has warned it would step up attacks against Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan if the 'insulting' film was broadcast.
Mr Wilders has said his short film will portray the Quran as a 'fascist book'. He does not yet have a broadcaster for it, but says he will release it online this month if he fails to find one.
He has accused the Dutch Cabinet of 'bowing to fear of terror and fear of Islam', and rejected calls to scrap the movie.
'Let me make one thing clear: The film will be released,' he said.
The Dutch national anti-terrorism coordinator has told Mr Wilders he may have to go into hiding abroad once his film is released. He already lives under police protection.
Theo Van Gogh, director of an earlier Dutch movie critical of Islam, was murdered by a Muslim radical in 2004, prompting a backlash that included the torching of mosques.
The killing caused the Netherlands to re-examine its famed tolerance and commitment to multiculturalism.
A year later, the publication of caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in Danish newspapers set off a wave of violent protests around the world.
AP, AFP
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